Julian Edelman, despite speculation he may go to the 49ers, has re-signed on with the New England Patriots.
In the week before the Super Bowl, the wide receiver told ESPN Radio’s “SVP and Russillo” program, that 2013 was a big professional breakthrough. Although the player had been with the Patriots for four years, 2013 marked his first injury free year: “I was able to stay healthy and then guys get hurt and you’re given an opportunity.” According the National Football League’s website, Edelman received 105 passes totaling 1,056 yards, more than his previous four years combined.
He tweeted a confirmation of the deal yesterday:
Foxboro is home. Excited to be back. #grind
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) March 15, 2014
According to Ian Rapoport of the Rap Sheet, the Patriots originally offered Edelman a three year contract, but Edelman turned it down, opting to test the waters of free agency:
The #Patriots and WR Julian Edelman couldn’t finalize negotiations and reach a deal. He’ll hit the market, per source. (Come on, Twitter!)
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2014
Edelman then went into talks with the San Francisco 49ers, according to a tweet by ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Patriots free-agent WR Julian Edelman is scheduled to visit the 49ers on Friday, per source. SF also interested in Giants WR Hakeem Nicks.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2014
Matt Barrows, sports reporter for the Sacramento Bee, reported Edelman had ties to the area and had been approached by the 49ers before:
Edelman is from Redwood City and played at the College of San Mateo. the 49ers liked him when he was coming out in 2009 draft.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 14, 2014
But it appears local ties were not enough for Julian Edelman. The NFL cited him as number forty-seven on their list of top free agents this season. The details of Edelman’s contract were not divulged, but the NFL has speculated he will be overpaid. As Dan Hanzus said, he “broke out with a 105-catch season for the Patriots in 2013… [but] Edelman is unlikely to repeat that production if you take him out of his current system. Riley Cooper-type money makes sense, but we imagine Edeltron will get more.”
Image via Wikimedia Commons
